LARA DOWNES: Founder and President
Lauded by NPR as “a delightful artist with a unique blend of musicianship and showmanship” and praised by the Washington Post for her stunning performances “rendered with drama and nuance”, Lara Downes has won acclaim as one of the most exciting and communicative young pianists of today's generation. Since making early debuts at Queen Elizabeth Hall London and the Vienna Konzerthaus, this powerfully charismatic artist has appeared on many of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, and Lincoln Center. Recent appearances include San Francisco Performances, the University of Vermont Lane Series, the American Academy Rome, the El Paso Pro Musica Festival, the Montreal Chamber Music Festival, and the University of Washington Presidents Piano Series.
Artist in Residence since 2004 at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts at UC Davis, Downes is the curator of the Mondavi Center Young Artists Program, and the Statewide director of UC ArtsBridge, a university/K-12 arts education partnership. Lara is strongly committed to introducing classical music to students, presenting a full range of outreach activities ranging from advanced master classes to introductory K-12 programs in conjunction with her concert appearances.
RISING STARS OF CALIFORNIA
Rising Stars of California is the first performance/education outreach program supported by the 88 KEYS Foundation, with the goal of permanently expanding the impact of the Foundation’s activities through live performances, innovative education/outreach offerings, and professionally led training/mentorship opportunities for gifted young musicians in the state.
FOUNDATION BOARD
Lara Downes: President
John Cron: Secretary
Mary Horton: Treasurer
Carolyn de la Pena